By The Institute at MagMutual®

A malpractice claim can be sudden, disorienting and deeply personal. For many physicians, it’s not just the legal implications that cause stress, it’s the emotional fallout — the anxiety, shame and sense that their professional reputation and identity are on the line.

These feelings are incredibly common. Most if not all physicians experience emotional distress at some point during the litigation process. Some develop physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue. Others withdraw from their social lives or begin questioning whether they should continue practicing at all.

These Responses Are Valid — And Manageable
Just because you find yourself facing a lawsuit doesn’t mean that the rest of your life stops, and certainly not your medical practice. As with any sudden adversity, you need to keep moving. Part of that involves making small but intentional choices to support your well-being. Prioritize basic self-care: get enough rest, stay physically active and eat well. Avoid self-isolation, even when you feel like shutting down. Carve out time for things that restore you, whether that’s family dinners, a hobby or simply stepping outside for a walk.

You might also benefit from speaking with someone who can help you process your emotions — a therapist, a trusted friend or a peer who has also been through a lawsuit. While legal rules may prevent you from discussing the details of the case, your personal response is not off-limits. In fact, verbalizing it may be the most effective way to ease its grip.

Finally, give yourself grace. Medicine is a profession filled with complexity, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, things go wrong. That doesn’t make you less skilled or less dedicated. Learning to separate your identity from a legal process can be one of the most powerful ways to keep going.

MagMutual Can Help You Move Forward
For physicians going through this difficult process, MagMutual offers support designed with the emotional demands of litigation in mind. From our Peer2Peer physician network to concierge trial assistance and mental health resources, we’re here to ensure you have the tools—and the human connection — you need to weather the storm and come through stronger. Learn more about the range of services available to MagMutual policyholders who experience unanticipated outcomes.

Take the Next Step Toward Optimal Outcomes

• Request a quote to become a MagMutual policyholder and gain access to our unmatched defense services
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute legal, medical or any other professional advice. No attorney-client relationship is created and you should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking legal or other professional advice.